Events

Phil Sorrells has dedicated his entire career to serving the people of Tarrant County. A proven
leader and a strong advocate for justice, Phil has worked tirelessly to hold criminals accountable,
support law enforcement, and make our communities safer.
Phil and his wife of 36 years, Susan, are proud to call Tarrant County home. They have three grown
children, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, one grandson, and one granddaughter.
A native of Lubbock, Phil grew up with strong Texas values - faith, family, and a commitment to
hard work. He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Texas Tech University. After
graduating from law school, Phil was hired by longtime Tarrant County District Attorney Tim Curry.
At just 32 years of age, Phil ran for and was elected Judge of County Criminal Court No. 10. Over his
25-year tenure, he built a reputation as a fair but firm judge, always putting public safety first. Phil
saw firsthand how critical the role of the District Attorney’s Office is in ensuring justice. He knew
that strong, decisive leadership was needed to keep violent criminals off the streets, reduce crime,
and restore trust in the system. That’s why, in November 2021, he stepped down as judge to run for
Tarrant County District Attorney.
On January 1, 2023, Phil was sworn in as Tarrant County District Attorney, bringing his decades of
experience and leadership to the role. From day one, he got to work implementing tough-on-crime
policies, increasing efficiency in the justice system, and fighting to keep families safe. 
 Under his leadership, his office has successfully prosecuted the worst offenders, with judges
and juries sentencing 89 defendants to life in prison and 4 to death row. 
 His office has taken over 962 cases to trial before a jury, ensuring that criminals are held
accountable, and victims receive the justice they deserve.
 Since January 2023, the backlog of cases has significantly decreased as his office has
disposed of more than 155,000 cases, reducing the number of pending cases by 28%.
 Phil has built strong partnerships with law enforcement to crack down on crime and keep
repeat offenders off the streets.
With the support of dedicated attorneys, investigators, and staff, Phil continues to lead the fight for
justice, holding criminals accountable and protecting the people of Tarrant County.

Kenny Thomas is the General Manager for the PTSD Foundation of America Dallas/Fort Worth
chapter. The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter supports veterans and family members in their community. The
interim housing program the PTSD Foundation of America provides is called Camp Hope. Camp Hope is a
peer-to-peer program for combat veterans with PTSD. Mr. Thomas has been working with combat
veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder through peer-to-peer mentoring and discipleship since
2016. In 2017 he created the transitional phase of the program and significantly increased the successful
transition of our combat veterans into everyday life. Mr. Thomas served four years in the 101st Airborne
1-187 Infantry from 2000-to 2004. He deployed to Afghanistan in October of 2001 in combat operations.
After a 10-month tour in Afghanistan, Mr. Thomas deployed to Iraq in December of 2003 and spent 12
months in combat operations. After his honorable discharge, Mr. Thomas went to Wallace State
University, where he obtained his associate degree in respiratory therapy, all while struggling with
combat-related PTSD. Kenny was a registered respiratory therapist for 9 years before coming into the
program and changing career paths. Mr. Thomas struggled with PTSD and suicidal ideations for 12 years
before he finally made it to Camp Hope and found healing through his peers, faith, and comradery.

Jolie Scruggs is a Benefits Counselor at the Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging, where she has been serving since 2023. With a background in community case management, Jolie is committed to helping individuals navigate complex benefits systems,  like medicare, stafe-funded programs, and Social Secirity, ensuring that older adults and their families recieve the support they need. 

Judge Tim O’Hare is a 5th-Generation Texan and lifelong resident of the DFW area. After
graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1991 with a BBA in Finance, he went
on to earn his law degree from SMU School of Law in 1995.
Prior to taking the Oath of Office as Tarrant County Judge, Judge O’Hare spent the previous
twenty-five years building a successful legal practice and real estate investment company.
As County Judge, he protects taxpayers and fights for good governance.
Judge O’Hare and his wife Christen live in Southlake with their four daughters. They are
members of First Baptist Grapevine, where Judge O’Hare serves as a Deacon and long-time
volunteer in the Children’s Ministry.

Jolie Scruggs is a Benefits Counselor at the Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging, where she has been serving since 2023. With a background in community case management, Jolie is committed to helping individuals navigate complex benefits systems,  like medicare, stafe-funded programs, and Social Secirity, ensuring that older adults and their families recieve the support they need. 

Discover how Texas’ third-largest County Clerk’s
Office is transforming public service through
leadership, technology, and community impact. Hear
Mary Louise share the vital services her office
provides and how they impact citizen’s daily lives.

Presentation Highlights:
 The Essential Role of the County Clerk
 Managing a $35+ Million Public Office with

Accountability

 Modernizing County Government Through Technology
 Building a Culture of Service & Community Engagement